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High Technology Therapies and Older People

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 November 2008

Bryan Jennett
Bryan Jennett
Affiliation:
Professor Emeritus of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland
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Abstract

Therapies to save or sustain the lives of elderly patients are sometimes used when they can bring little benefit, and sometimes denied because of age to patients who could benefit. Selection for treatment should depend on balancing probable benefits and burdens for the patient and on the patient's preferences. Burdens include those of the treatment itself, the risk of complications and of extending life of poor quality. Factors to consider when deciding are illustrated by reference to intensive care, surgery, dialysis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and tube feeding.

Keywords

Elderlyhigh technology therapiesselection decisionsbenefitsburdens, intensive caresurgerytube feedingdialysisresuscitation
Type
Research Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 15 , Issue 2 , June 1995 , pp. 185 - 198
Copyright
Copyright Cambridge University Press 1995

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